presidents, president obama, former presidents george w. bush and clinton and carter. all demonstrating the dignity of this man. and one man who knew him well was pik doe that who worked with him an served with him in his first multi-racial government. here is some of what he had to say earlier to fox news. >> i think this country can be grateful for all the tremendous value and values which he brought to south africa. the proper government, the official government. forgiveness in the sense of don't let revenge influence your decisions. it will hamper progressive decisions. not promote it. that's the symbolism. that's what he stands for. >> reporter: one last note about nelson mandela's passing. it is reported today that in his last hours he was taken off life support. he was breathing on his own, not too well. he was asleep. and as one eyewitness said, he finally gave up. he surrendered. but he fought so many battles and one so many battles. >> thank you. >>> well, back to the story here in the united states. let's just go to video. my goodness. the northeast getting